I am sorry to hear of your constituent's problems. Currently, Sativex (derived from cannabis plants) is not licensed in England for any indication. It was submitted to the MHRA in relation to neurological pain in Multiple Sclerosis but was withdrawn by the company as the phase III clinical study failed to reach statistical significance for pain relief.

Nevertheless, the MHRA issued a Public Information Report given the high public interest in this product. They concluded there were some concerns around safety , particularly psychiatric morbidity, and that a positive risk benefit had not been established.

Currently, although there are animal studies indicating that stimulation of cannabinoid receptors in the gut may exert a protective function in ulcerative colitis, there are no reports of research in human beings published in peer review journals. However, a study does appear to be underway.

Thus, given the absence of evidence and together with the MHRA report indicating in at least one condition the product failed to live up to the 'hype', it is unlikely the PCT would support its use. However, we are always willing to consider an individual funding request , with appropriate supporting information, in this case from an expert in inflammatory bowel disease.

Yours sincerely,

Christine Outram
Chief Executive
relevant to people in the UK only really... this is a letter from my Primary Care Trust sent to my MP (who then forwarded it to me).

thought fellow UC cannabis medicaters might like to know and perhaps start your own proceedings... getting this spray is no easy task, but imagine when i do get it
humedi Reviewed by humedi on . ulcerative colitis stressed, poor diet, had a curry, jan 2007 >> triggered what was later diagnosed as ulcerative colitis. was put on anti biotics before i had been diagnosed, these made me worse (and i believe wiped out some of the good bacteria in the gut). Went on the SCD diet but failed. was given asacol after i was diagnosed, april 2007 - bad for me. then went onto colozide - hair loss, ulcers, bad for me my experiences have left me feeling bitter at the NHS. they offer that toxic shite and ignore Rating: 5